Uses new models to forecast the future status of polar bears worldwide and new information on actual and predicted polar sea ice loss to evaluate the threats and plan management actions to mitigate the threats in four ecoregions. From the U.S. Geological Survey

Warns that the Arctic region is warming at twice the rate of anywhere else on Earth. Covers the air temperature, snow cover, sea ice, Greenland Ice Sheet, the status of polar bears and more. See also links for previous Arctic report cards. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Agency press release on proposed rule to list the African lion as endangered due to habitat loss, loss of prey, and increased human-lion conflicts. Includes links to text of proposed rule and species profile. From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register announcement of proposed rules that would list the African lion as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and provide for conservation measures. From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The fifth such report with information on bird habitats, preventing extinction, and more. Claims to be the most comprehensive review of long-term trend data for U.S. birds ever conducted. From the Smithsonian Institution and other project partners

Sets up a Pollinator Health Task Force to develop a research action plan to focus federal efforts on understanding, preventing, and recovering from pollinator losses and improve pollinator habitats. From the White House

Warns that poaching rates for African elephants continue to far exceed the natural elephant population growth rates, resulting in a further decline in the elephant population. Identifies African poverty, weak governance, and the demand for ivory in consuming states as the major reasons for the illegal killing. From the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Decision of the International Court of Justice that Japanese whaling activities in the Antarctic is a commercial whaling venture that is a violation of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. Japan claims it is a scientific research program. From the International Court of Justice

Announces that 25 of 26 pharmaceutical companies have agreed to cooperate with voluntary federal restrictions on the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in animals. Citing threats to human health and antibiotic effectiveness, the government asked 26 companies to voluntarily stop labeling such drugs as acceptable for animal growth promotion. From the Food and Drug Administration

Explains how the Lacey Act began as a 1900 measure to prevent hunters from crossing state lines to avoid prosecution for violation of hunting laws and evolved over the years to prohibit import, export, transport, purchase or sale of species when that action would violate domestic or foreign law. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by National Agricultural Law Library

Describes details of the three part strategy for combating trade in wildlife and the actions that the U.S. will take to stop trade in elephant ivory to help the survival of the endangered species. From the White House

News release which describes voluntary plan to persuade animal pharmaceutical firms to restrict product labeling of antibiotics for therapeutic uses only. The intent is to end use of antibiotics to promote animal growth and bring such drugs under veterinary oversight. Includes links to text of guidance documents. From the Food and Drug Administration

Describes the condition of the Clinch River and whether there are measurable differences in chemical, physical, or biological characteristics in a segment of the river where mussel populations are in decline. From the U.S. Geological Survey

Proposed rule for public comment on regulations that would tighten manufacturing controls over food produced for animals in order to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness in animals and humans. From the Food and Drug Administration

Inspector general’s report critical of federal meat inspection activities for failing to enforce food safety and humane handling regulations at slaughterhouses which have repeatedly violated the rules. From the Office of the Inspector General of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

]]>http://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/2013/09/10/inspection-and-enforcement-activities-at-swine-slaughter-plants-audit-report/feed/0The State of Amphibians in the United Stateshttp://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/2013/08/30/the-state-of-amphibians-in-the-united-states-2/
http://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/2013/08/30/the-state-of-amphibians-in-the-united-states-2/#commentsFri, 30 Aug 2013 16:33:51 +0000alan zoellnerhttp://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/?p=37868http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/rmrs_2012_muths_e001.pdf

Provides a snapshot of the state of amphibians and introduces examples to illustrate the range of issues in the U.S. From the Forest Service

Discusses the value of insect pollination to U.S. and world agriculture, and the search for explanations for the sharp decline in honeybee populations. Asserts that colony collapse disorder (CCD) may not be a sufficient explanation and identifies areas where congressional legislation might help, especially in provisions of the farm bill. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Describes the scope of the illegal trade, case examples of some especially hard hit species such as elephants and rhinos, and the U.S./international responses to the problem. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Listings of published material on the topic of endangered species including books, dictionary-handbooks-encyclopedias, bibliographies, government documents, technical reports, and representative journal articles. From the Library of Congress

Summarizes efforts to promote recovery of all species under jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2012. Covers 70 domestic species and includes the status of each species and the status of the recovery plan. From the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Aims to enlist U.S. efforts in stopping the coordinated slaughter of wild animals such as elephants and rhinos by organized criminal syndicates. Establishes a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking to develop a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. From the White House

]]>http://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/2013/07/03/executive-order-combating-wildlife-trafficking/feed/0Trends in Amphibian Occupancy in the United Stateshttp://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/2013/05/24/trends-in-amphibian-occupancy-in-the-united-states/
http://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/2013/05/24/trends-in-amphibian-occupancy-in-the-united-states/#commentsFri, 24 May 2013 12:15:34 +0000alan zoellnerhttp://swemgovdocs.blogs.wm.edu/?p=35490http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0064347

Reports results of research on U.S. habitats which revealed that amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders are declining more rapidly than previously realized. At current rates of decline, the species are expected to disappear from half of their habitats in 6-20 years. From the Public Library of Science and the U.S. Geological Survey

Examines scientific and technical issues related to determining risks to endangered species and calls for federal agencies with responsibilities for protecting these species to develop common assessment approaches. From the National Research Council

Provides a framework for natural resource managers and other partners to conserve species in view of major climate change. Based upon seven climate adaptation goals. From the Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners.

The surge in gun sales following the Newtown school massacre and renewed legislative efforts at gun control have resulted in increases in funds for wildlife conservation from the excise tax on guns and ammunition sales. This report examines these taxes, their allocation, and their use. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists